"The Study of Mussar" \ Day 18 \ 30 Days to Teshuvah
"The study of Mussar is a very easy matter -- even for someone who is immersed in worldly affairs during the week.
Mussar study is obligatory upon man -- especially upon a person who is preoccupied with his livelihood and whose Divine Service is hampered by his spiritual ailment. This is so even though it is no easy matter to apply Mussar to treat a chronic disorder in need of powerful remedy."
(Ohr Yisrael, Letter Six).
How do we stay optimistic when realizing that the ultimate goal of Mussar is the "difficult" task of "healing our souls"?
Do not be discouraged! Just use the formula that Rav Yisrael advised us in yesterday's segment. He taught us that we should be focused first on observing the "easy" precepts or the "easy" parts of the precepts.
While Rav Yisrael does write "it is no easy matter to apply Mussar," he also says that Mussar study "is a very "easy" matter. His intention is not to intimidate us, but to inspire us! He has separated the various aspects of Mussar into their appropriate categories, i.e., "easy" or "difficult."
Yes, to apply Mussar to heal the soul is "difficult," i.e., it takes time and effort. However, the "easy" aspect and reward of Mussar study is not nullified by the "difficult" effort required to apply Mussar to heal the soul. Each aspect exists separately and functions independently.
In conclusion, at this stage your study of Mussar is "easy." Therefore, the primary imperative to effect repentance is to engage in Mussar study.
Tip -- Fulfill the "easy" aspect of Mussar -- study it today and every day!
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